Controversial Move: St. Louis Cardinals Bring Back Oli Marmol Despite Fan Disapproval
In a surprising move, the St. Louis Cardinals have decided to bring back Oli Marmol, a decision that has left many fans questioning the team’s judgement. Marmol, who was on the brink of being fired a few years ago, has managed to hold onto his job despite widespread criticism.
Despite leading the Cardinals to a successful 93-69 record and winning the NL Central in his first season, Marmol’s performance has been met with skepticism from fans. Many believe that the team could have achieved even greater success with a different manager at the helm.
The decision to retain Marmol has sparked heated debates among Cardinals supporters, with some expressing disappointment and frustration. It remains to be seen how this move will impact the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
St. Louis Cardinals’ Controversial Decision: Bringing Back Oli Marmol as Manager
It was a decision that left many questioning the St. Louis Cardinals’ management when they announced the return of Oli Marmol. Despite facing calls for his firing in previous years, Marmol still holds onto his job, much to the dismay of Cardinals fans. Since taking over as manager in 2022, Marmol has not made a significant impact on the organization, with the exception of his first season where the team won the NL Central with a record of 93-69. However, the following years have been disappointing, with a record of 71-91 in 2023 and 83-79 in 2024, leaving the Cardinals out of contention for a World Series title.
Could Marmol’s Job Be on the Line?
As a result of the team’s underwhelming performance, there is speculation that Marmol’s job may be in jeopardy. In a recent article by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Marmol was named as one of nine coaches whose job could be at risk before the end of the year. The Cardinals are currently in a transitional period, with John Mozeliak stepping down as head of baseball operations and Chaim Bloom taking over. Marmol, who was hired by Mozeliak, is under contract until 2026. It is likely that Bloom will want to bring in his own choice for manager, raising questions about Marmol’s future with the team.
Former Cardinals Greats Eyeing Managerial Roles
Rosenthal also mentions the possibility of two former Cardinals players, Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols, taking on managerial roles. Both have expressed their desire to manage, with Molina already having experience in the Dominican Winter League and set to manage Puerto Rico’s World Baseball Classic team in 2026. However, being a legend of the Cardinals does not guarantee success as a manager. The team may be better off considering other potential coaches during the offseason, rather than solely relying on former players.
In the End, Results Matter Most
While the idea of having beloved former players at the helm may be tempting, the Cardinals must prioritize finding a manager who can lead the team to success. With the possibility of Marmol’s job being on the line and other potential coaches available, the Cardinals must carefully consider their options and make a decision that will benefit the team in the long run. As the saying goes, “it’s not personal, it’s business,” and ultimately, the results on the field will determine the success of the Cardinals’ managerial decision.
